HOROSCOPES: Feb. 17

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be careful, because some extravagant whims could gain control of your purse strings. Later, when it's time to pay the bills, you'll wish you had exercised greater control.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- You're in for a big surprise if you expect others to drop what they're doing and cater to your desires. The only person you should depend on is you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Attempting to use honeyed words to manipulate another is likely to backfire. Any insincerity on your part will be immediately detected and disliked.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- A pal who is an expert at disappearing when the check is presented will try that ploy again. If you're smart, you'll ask for separate checks up front.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You should take care not to confuse optimism with wishful thinking, because the results would be catastrophic. The former inspires and emboldens, while the latter merely dreams.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be careful and don't take what is told to you at face value. Someone might try to draw you into a joint endeavor for reasons that are more beneficial for him or her than they are for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- No one will have to tell you that partnerships have both advantages and disadvantages. You'll need to figure out whether such an arrangement would be worthwhile to your cause.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If there is an important assignment that you need to delegate, make sure your instructions are clear about how to go about it and what results you expect.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- It's good to be helpful whenever you can, but don't offer any suggestions or try to manage something for another if you don't know a thing about it. Mind your own beeswax.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Be extremely selective about whom you go to for help and advice today. An ineffective counselor could cause more trouble by putting you onto a path of "never-never" land.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- When you choose, you can be a self-directed person who doesn't waste time getting down to brass. Today, however, your rationalizing attitude might inhibit this.